City Employee Helps Imagine New Employee Rewards Program

Employee of the Week: Tomas Rivera

December 20, 2013

Albuquerque- Today Mayor Richard J. Berry honored a seasoned City of Albuquerque employee who helped conceptualize the new program that will recognize the continued dedication of city employees. Tomas Rivera from the Department of Municipal Development talked with the Mayor this past year and from their conversation, the Employee Rewards Program was created.

Rivera started off as a temporary employee back in March of 1994 working with the Solid Waste Department at the I.P.F. recycling center. One year later, Rivera became a permanent employee with the City of Albuquerque Transit Department where he worked for 9 months. In December of 1995 Rivera moved to the Department of Municipal Development Street Maintenance Division where he has been ever since. Moving up through the ranks, Rivera had completed all levels in Street Maintenance training and certification programs. Rivera currently holds the position of Operation/ Maintenance Supervisor.

Since being with the city for almost 20 years, Rivera has dedicated a great deal of time and energy to make the City of Albuquerque a great place to live for all. He recognizes the hard work that he and his fellow employees put in every day when they come into work. This past year, at a city hosted event, Rivera got to talking with Mayor Berry and mentioned how it would be great to recognize all of the city employees who have committed to stewarding taxpayer dollars in the most effective way. Mayor Berry currently has the Friday’s Heroes and Employee of the Week recognitions weekly for those Officers, Firefighters, and employees of the City of Albuquerque that go above and beyond everyday; the Employee Rewards Program is an additional way for employees to be recognized for the great work that they do.

The Employee Rewards Program grants all employees one free entry for themselves and a guest into the BioPark, Zoo, City pools, and the Museum of Art and History. An employee can also play a nine hole round of golf at the Ladera Golf Course with their Employee Rewards card. All the employee needs to do is present their issued Rewards Card with their City ID to any of the participating locations to enjoy some of the great facilities the City has to offer. The card represents over $50 worth of free City activities for the diligent City of Albuquerque employees.

Through the envisioning of this program by Mayor Berry and Rivera, the City of Albuquerque is now able to show its appreciation for employees year round. Starting January 1st each City employee will receive their punch card to start enjoying some of the great attractions that Albuquerque has to offer.